Healthy sight is optimal for a full life and it’s also one of the markers of wellness that can easily be taken for granted. According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), someone in Canada starts losing their eyesight every 12 minutes! Until we experience vision changes or signs of loss personally we may not realize just how significant eye health can be. Fortunately, 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented.
Here are some simple tips to help protect your vision and enhance your comfort and eye health now, and over time. Practice them and share them with your family and friends.
Throughout the year and especially during summer, protect your eyes from exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun (even when it’s cloudy) by wearing good quality sunglasses. Wearing a hat with a wide brim is also helpful to protect your head, skin and eyes. Children are even more susceptible to harm from UV rays and sometimes need to be reminded to wear sunglasses and to not look directly at the sun. Protect your eyes when working with machines, tools or hazardous materials by wearing proper safety glasses or goggles.
Remember to schedule your eye exams. Many eye diseases are not easily detectable, especially in the beginning. An eye exam can help pinpoint issues before they become severe. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends annual exams for children and exams for adults every two years. And, of course, any change in eyesight or concerns should be checked out immediately with your eye-care professional.
Making healthy choices about what we put into our bodies helps our eyes considerably, especially when it comes to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Foods rich in Vitamin C (kiwi, citrus, strawberries, etc.) and those containing lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, leafy vegetables, etc.), zinc (chickpeas and legumes) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon) can help reduce the risk. In some instances, vitamin supplements may also be helpful to consider.
Cutting back on sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol may decrease the risk of cataracts; and for smokers, butting out will improve your chances of healthier vision and eyes, according to CNIB.
Finally, don’t forget to give your eyes a break from reading, the computer screen and television from time to time. When watching TV, a standard recommendation is to sit an equivalent of a least five times away from the width of your screen. And take visual breaks from your computer and reading (focus on something else at a different distance) every 20 to 30 minutes for better eye comfort and wellness.
